The Octagon Theatre is delighted to reveal a vibrant and ambitious new season for 2026–27, bringing together modern classics, brand-new touring productions, powerful new writing, and a spectacular festive show. The season showcases a rich mix of comedy, drama, musicals and Shakespeare, alongside continued collaborations with leading theatres across the UK and some of the most exciting directors and creatives working today.
The season launches in June with the riotously entertaining MURDER FOR TWO, a fast-paced musical whodunit packed with piano-driven comedy. When acclaimed crime novelist Arthur Whitney is found dead at his own birthday party, an investigation begins that sees just two actors play thirteen characters…and the piano. As amateur sleuth Marcus Moscowicz races to solve the case before a “real” detective arrives, audiences are treated to a hilariously clever evening of musical mayhem. The production stars Lucy Keirl, recently seen in the Octagon’s acclaimed 2025 production of A Christmas Carol, alongside Tom Babbage (The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan).
Over the summer, the Octagon’s Young Company takes centre stage with a bold production of THE TRIALS by Dawn King. Set in a near-future world ravaged by climate collapse, the play imagines a courtroom where children act as jurors, judging the adults who failed to protect the planet. Provocative, urgent and emotionally charged, The Trials interrogates justice, responsibility and generational reckoning. Originally performed in Düsseldorf in 2022 and a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the production will be directed by Young Octagon Director Ruth Allison and Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham, with adult community actors performing alongside the Young Company.
We kick off autumn with a major revival marking the thirtieth anniversary of Ayub Khan-Din’s modern classic EAST IS EAST. First premiered in 1996, this razor-sharp, deeply human comedy-drama remains as relevant as ever. Set in 1970s Salford, the play explores the tensions of family, identity and belonging within a British‑Pakistani household caught between tradition and change. This new production is a co-production with Citizens Theatre Glasgow and Wiltshire Creative, in association with Derby Theatre, and will be directed by Olivier Award-nominated director Kash Arshad.
The autumn season continues with a revival of the much-loved hit CALENDAR GIRLS: THE MUSICAL. Based on the true story of a group of Yorkshire women who create a nude calendar to raise money for charity, the show celebrates friendship, bravery and the extraordinary impact of ordinary people. With music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, this award-winning musical has captivated audiences worldwide and will be directed by Paul Robinson.
In November, the John Godber Company returns to the Octagon with THE HIGHWAYMAN, following recent successes including Black Tie Ball, Do I Love You? and the currently touring Teechers. This rousing historical adventure, set in 18th-century Yorkshire, blends swashbuckling drama with heartfelt romance, delivering Godber’s trademark pace, humour and emotional depth.
As always, the season culminates in a dazzling festive production. CINDERELLA: A FAIRYTALE reimagines the classic story with contemporary energy, heartfelt storytelling and infectious live music. When Ella’s world is upended by her father’s remarriage, she finds solace in the woods and an unexpected connection with a mysterious boy. But a royal invitation changes everything. Created by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Original Company, with music and lyrics by Benji Bower, the production will be directed by Sarah Punshon, returning to the Octagon following Peter Pan and The Jungle Book.
The season concludes in 2027 with a return to Shakespeare, following the Octagon’s critically acclaimed production of Macbeth earlier in 2026. In co-production with Hull Truck Theatre and Derby Theatre, the Octagon presents a powerful new staging of ROMEO AND JULIET. Balancing the intoxicating beauty of young love with the devastating consequences of conflict, this timeless tragedy will include school‑friendly performances, ensuring students across the North West can experience the plays they study live on stage.
For more information or to book tickets visit octagonbolton.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01204 520661.
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